Community Corner
Video: Kayaking and Snorkeling at La Jolla Shores
Ever thought about snorkeling and kayaking in La Jolla? Here's an insider's scoop on what it's really like under sea.
Two of the top things to do in San Diego, as a local or visitor, is kayak and snorkel in La Jolla.
We recently visited in La Jolla Shores to check out the experience ourselves.
I called ahead to make a reservation for the kayak and snorkeling tour. Shops can be busy during weekends, holidays and summer months. While reservations are required for tours only, they are not needed for rentals.
When I arrived, I checked in and headed to the back of the shop, where there are lockers, changing rooms, a bathroom and gear. The locker key is attached to a safety pin you can place on your life vest.
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I changed into my wetsuit and selected a paddle. My tour guide, Max Seibers, walked me three blocks to the shore barefoot. I didn’t bring anything with me except my camera and excitement! At the beach, my kayak awaited me.
On shore, Max gave a few points on how to paddle, 80 percent legs, 20 percent arm, lean back and most importantly have fun.
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Entering the ocean was easy and we were off.
On the way to the caves, Max shared some history and facts about the caves. He then stopped to check out the water below us. Leopard sharks surrounded our kayaks. He mentioned they were not harmful to humans, if anything the vibration of the oar hitting the kayak scares them away.
Then we went to see the caves and snorkel.
Once near the caves, we hoped out into the water. There was a ton of orange Garibaldi fish and sea plants. We made our way through the caves, where the water is a bit colder. And the sight was awesome.
After the caves, we climbed back into our kayaks for more fun. The tour was two hours and quite the experience. Watch the video to see the adventure yourself.
La Jolla Kayak
- Address: 2199 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: 858-459-1114
- Web:
- Days: Daily
- Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
- Ages: Children are welcome. Ask the staff about requirements.
- Cost: Kayak tours are $39 to $59 for a single, and $59 to $99 for a double kayak. Snorkle tours are $29 to $45.
- Parking: Street. Get there a little early to secure yourself a spot. Make sure to avoid the one or two hour spots.
- Personal Belongs: There are lockers. Keep personal belongings to a minimum. A purse, keys, flip flops and a towel will all fit.
- Tips: If you have an underwater camera, bring it, you’ll love looking at your footage later on. If you get motion sickness, take Dramamine at least 30 minutes before heading to sea.
La Jolla Kayak is not the only kayak rental and tour company in La Jolla. There's are plenty of operators along Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Try at 2243 Avenida De La Playa and at 2158 Avenida De La Playa.
Read more about , the at Birch Aquarium and other Staycation Guide activities.
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